Tensions are rising and the divide is growing in the Crowsnest Pass before a plebiscite vote next month with arguments centred around the community’s economic future and environmental impacts of open pit mines.
Kyle Bakx & Tiphanie Roquette, CBC NewsIn a Rocky Mountain town in southwest Alberta, a bitter battle is brewing. With a history of coal mining stretching more than a century, the community is debating whether to stay true to its roots and support the return of coal — or leave the mining industry in the past.
In storefronts and house windows, signs proudly proclaim, “We are a coal town.” It’s an ode to the past and a cry for the future. It’s a contentious, emotional issue, as the resurrection of coal mining could have a profound impact on the future of the community for decades to come. For someone who doesn’t live in the area, it may seem jarring to hear some residents describe how potentially devastating mining activity would be for the Crowsnest, while others speak about how much of a blessing it would be.Many residents and businesses are showing their support for the Grassy Mountain mine project.
“In real estate, the No. 1 thing is location, location, location. People don't buy retirement homes, recreation property, those kinds of things — in coal mine towns. That just doesn't happen,” Redekopp said. While property values are up, there are signs pointing toward a stagnant economy and limited growth. The population of the Crowsnest has increased by nearly six per cent since 2017, with about one-third of residents over the age of 65.
“Now, we have basically nothing. So when they shut down the mines in the mid-’70s, people started to dissipate from here and business just went away,” said Easton. The main concern with coal mining is the impact on water, considering the Crowsnest River eventually flows into Hudson Bay, says David Thomas with the group Crowsnest Headwaters.
On Nov. 25, residents will answer the plebiscite question, 'Do you support the development and operations of the metallurgical coal mine at Grassy Mountain?' Northback is now making a push to convince skeptics and alleviate worries about its proposed mine by hosting guided tours of the site. Formerly Benga Mining, the company is a subsidiary of Australian mining giant Hancock Prospecting.
“We’re looking at a completely new application now. So that includes assessing everything, including the size of the project, including minimizing environmental disruptions and impacts,” she said.Like many of Canada’s natural resources, metallurgical coal is in high demand globally to make steel and other products.
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